A group of Berrien County law enforcement officials has issued a statement on the death of Tyre Nichols. They say they are horrified and disgusted by what has been revealed about the death of Nichols with the release of police footage in Memphis. Below is their full statement:
As your law enforcement leaders serving Berrien County, we are horrified by the vicious attack on Tyre Nichols by the former members of the Memphis Police Department. What they have done, and what we have witnessed in the graphic videos, leave each of us disgusted at the actions of those former police officers. This incident is in complete opposition to everything we stand for in law enforcement.
We support the quick and appropriate actions by the Chief of Police of the Memphis Police Department in firing those responsible and charging them with murder. They have disgraced the law enforcement profession and betrayed their oath of office. The use of excessive force is always unacceptable.
We all have sworn to protect and serve the residents of our communities with professionalism and compassion and we will continue to do so. We are committed to and train to protect human life and to treat everyone with dignity and respect. We will continue to ensure the equal treatment of ALL individuals. Each of us believe in having open communication and true partnerships with our community. We are focused on keeping Berrien County safe and we are committed to working together, with our community, to treat all residents with respect, fairness, and dignity.
Respectfully,
Sheriff L. Paul Bailey, Berrien County Sheriff’s Office
Undersheriff Chuck Heit, Berrien County Sheriff’s Office
Inspector Ryan Schoonveld, Michigan State Police 5th District Headquarters
Lieutenant Jeremy Carlisle, Michigan State Police Niles Post
Prosecutor Steve Pierangeli, Berrien County Prosecutors Office
Director Daniel McGinnis, Benton Harbor Department of Public Safety
Chief Greg Abrams, Benton Charter Township Police Department
Director Steve Neubecker, St Joseph City Department of Public Safety
Director James Millin, Niles City Police Department
Chief Paul Toliver, Berrien Springs-Oronoko Township Police Department
Chief Gary Soper, Lincoln Township Police Department
Chief Randy Leng, St Joseph Charter Township Police Department
Chief Daniel Unruh, Bridgman City Police Department
Chief Wes Smigielski, Coloma Township Police Department
Chief William Lux, Pokagon Tribal Police Department
Chief Tim Sutherland, Watervliet City Police Department
Chief Rich Killips, New Buffalo City Police Department
Director Timothy Ganus, Buchanan City Police Department
Chief Shawn Martin, Baroda-Lake Township Police Department
Chief Todd Taylor, Chikaming Township Police Department
Chief Ryan Layman, Grand Beach-Michiana Village Police Department
Chief Carl Krause, Three Oaks Township Police Department
Chief Charles Sherene, Eau Claire Village Police Department
Chief Robert Krauss, Galien Village Police Department
